"
"That man," thought Wallace, as he passed along, "carried a relentless
sword in his very eye!"
The men of Loch Doine, a strong, tall and well-armed body, marched on,
and gave place to the advancing corps of Bothwell. The eye of Wallace
felt as if turning from gloom and horror to the cheerful light of day,
when it fell on the bright and indigenuous face of Murray. Kenneth
with his troop followed; and the youthful Edwin, like Cupid in arms,
closed the procession.
Being drawn up in line, their chief, fully satisfied, advanced toward
them, and expressing his sentiments of the patriotism which brought
them into the field, informed them of his intended march. He then
turned to Stephen Ireland: "The sun has now set," said he, "and before
dark you must conduct the families of my worthy Lanarkment to the
protection of Sir John Scott. It is time that age, infancy, and female
weakness should cease their wanderings with us; to-night we bid them
adieu, to meet them again, by the leading of the Lord of Hosts, in
freedom and prosperity!"
As Wallace ceased, and was retiring from the ground, several old men,
and young women with their babes in their arms, rushed from behind the
ranks, and throwing themselves at his feet, caught hold of his hands
and garments.
Pages:
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281